A New Book and A New Swap

Do you read Michele's website Quilting Gallery?  I have been reading it more lately because there is a new Learning Center feature.  The focus of the posts have been Studio Organizing hosted by Pat Sloan.   I don't have a studio, but I really need to organize.   It's been nice to see there are a lot people with my problem.  They had a give away for the book,  Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter. Last night I checked out Amazon and found out I could buy the book for my Kindle Fire for under ten dollars.  As you know I have a bad weakness for books--so I bought it.  I haven't done a lot of reading yet, but the contenst page looks very good.   The first chapter has already told me that buying alot of plastic containers is not the answer.  I think that is true if they are all piled up on each other and you have no idea what is in them.

(picture borrowed from Amazon, so you can't look inside here)

I need to really do some organizing so I can make better use of my time and the things I have.   I spend way too much time trying to find something.  I do a lot of the things I've seen on blogs--plastic project containers and binders full of projects.  I'm hoping this will give me the push I need to make a major over haul.  Of course, I have to read the book first.   Stop over at the Quilting Gallery's Learning Center for more information.

I joined another swap.  I am a member of the Snickerdoodle Dreams community.   It is a social network for quilters and scrapbookers.  They are having a new swap called Love Thy Friend.  It is a round robin swap.  It's all about loving our friends with goodness. What you receive in your swap box you can take out anything... but then... what you take out you must replace!!  After replacing the items with new things, you send it on to the next person.  It sounds like something new and different and FUN.  They are taking sign ups until February 28th, if you are interested. 

Are you wondering if we got snow?  Yes, we did---10 inches of the lovely, white, very wet kind of snow.  It's wonderful to have moisture for future grass growth.   We spent most of yesterday outside (no sewing) pushing snow around, feeding everyone and providing a dry place to lay down for the cattle.  I'm a really good gate keeper.

Sorry about the picture quality, but it was snowing that hard at the time.  At least it wasn't super cold out.  Today is windy and sunny.   The snow is melting, so I know the temperature is above freezing.   I really need to get busy doing something productive and that won't happen on the computer.





It's a Flimsie!

I started June Bug back in mid-July of last year.   I just needed to make the petals that went on the borders.   After fusing them, I did the blanket stitch around them on the machine.  This was a fun quilt to make.  I love the bright colors.

Next comes my not so favorite part of quilting--making backing and sandwiching the quilt.   I spent most of the afternoon today piecing the backing.  I'm still working on it.  When I do things I don't like I have a tendency to procrastinate take my time.  

 I took little breaks.  I watched 3 videos from Leah Day's Free Motion Quilt Project.  I watched 1, 2 & 3.  I was really impressed with them.  I think they will really help me with my stipple quilting.  

 I listened to Pat Sloan's podcast with  American Patchwork & Quilting editors Jennifer Kelter, Jill Mead, and Elizabeth Beese while I was making the backing too.  Do you listen to her podcasts?  They are pretty interesting. 

I'm using some of the leftover jelly roll strips to make a scrappy back.   I'm kind of excited to get this quilt sandwiched.  I want to hand quilt it with perle cotton and big stitches.  I've never done that before.  I'll probably have to procrastinate take my time before I start. 

Look at all these yummy colors!!  If you have any tips for me, I'd appreciate hearing them.  I'm sure I'll have to do some googling for "big stitch quilting" or searching on youtube.  

They are predicting snow and wind for tomorrow. Our tax appointment is for tomorrow too.   I have lots to look forward to--lol.  I hope your outlook for tomorrow is brighter than mine.

I have linked up to Sarah's Friday Whoop Whoop.  I'm so happy to get this quilt to the flimsie stage.  I also get an extra chance to win a new book--check it out!

Tuesday Treasure

I thought I would share one of my treasures with you today.

This beautiful painting hangs in our living room.  It was painted by my grandfather on my father's side.  Grandfather was born in the Netherlands.   He made the frame for this painting too.  

So Organized

I've been wanting to make one of these sewing mat organizers ever since last fall's Retreat.  My childhood friend, Jill and her friends had all made them.

I used 2 FQs--one for the top and one for the bottom.  The pocket is made with 1/2 of a FQ.   I free motion quilted around the flowers and leaves.  I made a sandwich, so I didn't have to bind it, just turn it.  Then I just sewed a few straight horizontal lines to anchor the front and back together.  I made different size pockets.

Now I'll always have my marking pen, scissors and ripper right where I need them--if I put them back in the pockets.  When you go to sewing group or retreat, the pockets hold your supplies.  You only need to fold it in half and roll it up.  I have yet to make a tie to hold the roll in  place--if I do.

We are checking heifers for the neighbors this week-end.  They are at regional wrestling for their son.   Two new babies yesterday--so cute.  I should have had the camera.  As DH says the first few are always the cutest, after a month you are too tired to notice cute.  lol  It will be about 5 weeks until we'll need to start checking our heifers. 

My New Kindle Cover

I finally got a cover made for my Kindle Fire.  I love how it turned out.  I bought the material at Quilter's Corner in the remnant bin.  When it came time to choose fabric for my cover, I knew this "was it".

This is the front with it's lovely elastic strap.  I can't believe how well centered the word "coffee" turned out!

A full on photo of the entire cover.

It holds my kindle just right for reading and protects it for carrying in my purse.  I based the cover on Terry Atkinson's pattern (borrowed from my cousin, Peggy).  I decided I didn't need a pocket for anything.  It was the first time I've worked with Peltex--it sews up nicely.  The highest praise was when DH told me I could probably make them and sell them for $20.  He usually doesn't say much about my projects.

If you would like a chance or two  to win the new Jennifer Chiaverini's book, Sonoma Rose,  follow this link to Just Ramblin' or this one to Lilac Lane.   Although I have a Kindle Fire, I'm partial to those "hard covers".

It's a beautiful sunny day here today.  It's 40 degrees out, but feels warmer.  We've had such a nice winter, but people are concerned about the lack of winter moisture.   I'm just enjoying it!

Initial Swap

Here are the things I sent to Ruth for the Initial Heart Swap.

I made a pincushion and needle book for Ruth.  I also sent a small scissors, two needles, 2 FQ and chocolate candy.

I made this pin cushion for her Initial item.  I filled it with crushed walnut shells (a first for me).  I really like the weight and the way the pins go into it.  I need to make one for myself!  I used Melissa's tutorial for inspiration.

This is the inside of the needle book I made.  I love those little scissors--can you tell?  I'm always buying them, so I have some on hand for gifts.

Ruth let me know she received them.  My swaps are completed.  In my next post I'll show you what I made for myself.

If you like to swap or would like to try one, check out Cheryll's blog.  She is starting another swap.

Happy Valentine's Day

This beautiful valentine was made for me by Donna of www.donnaslavendarnest.blogspot.com.  I received my lovely heart swap package in the mail last Friday. 

She also sent me this cutie-patootie pin cushion with two decorative pins.

Last but not least-- a Valentine bookmark, Valentine card and a whole bag of Kisses.  Thank you, Donna for the lovely Valentine swap gifts!!